3 of 4Carbon fiber trim outside and a flat-bottom steering wheel on the inside don't seem out of place on the Jeep Grand Cherokee STR8, even if it remains a big SUV.

Photo by Jeep

4 of 4The 6.4-liter Hemi underneath the hood of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 may be overkill, but it's our kind of overkill.

Photo by Jeep

NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: If I had to haul a Labrador to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, this 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 would be my vehicle of choice. I've been truly impressed with the SRT machines lately, and the Jeep variant fits in well with the rest of the breed. In the last couple of months, I've driven two Chargers and now this Grand Cherokee with the monster 6.4-liter Hemi—and yes, the power is omnipresent and enjoyable. But what really is enticing is how well everything fits and feels together. There's nothing about this that seems like a sticker package. This is a performance proposition for enthusiasts.

The engine is a rocket, returning exhilarating acceleration and emitting an angry, energizing noise. It's well-calibrated with the five-speed automatic, downshifting smoothly and effectively. The chassis is sporty enough, but this still feels like a Jeep, and the big, sticky tires grip pavement with verve.

I love its looks. Blacked out with the monster gear on top—people notice this thing. The lights and wheels really present sharply. The cabin actually might even be better than the body, with the carbon-fiber trim, leather and flat-bottom steering wheel presenting an enthusiast environment in a larger setting.

Again, I'm not sure exactly who needs a 4x4 this powerful and gaudy—maybe Fernando Alonso? His company makes it after all. I'd take one, too.